BLUE TRIANGLE DAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22213, 16 March 1934, Page 8

BLUE TRIANGLE DAY

The work of such centres of social service as the Young Women’s Christian Association does not, in the ordinary course of events, come much under public attention. But in times such as we are passing through at present the call made upon the ministrations and services of such an organisation becomes intensified to an extent .of which the average person has probably little conception. Many of the ordinary sources of occupation for girls and young women have been virtually closed to them, and it has become desirable in the public interest, as in the interests of the girls themselves, that their resources of time and mental and physical energy should he diverted into suitable channels. In such an emergency the Y.W.C.A. offers an immediate and, it might almost be said, an ideal agency. Its organisation covers not only cities but countries, and it is thus possible for the local organisations to obtain the broad view of the needs of the moment, to exchange plans among themselves and co-ordinate the branch work into a national and international effort. The work which is being done in Dunedin under the emblem of the Blue Triangle is thorough and varied. Women and girls receive there advice, opportunities of employment, and also, which is particularly important, they are offered the means of busying themselves in useful and health-giving activities while they are without ordinary work. In a full year the local branch of the Y.W.C.A, interviews many hundreds of girls and women, and it is ample testimony that the majority of these are placed in employment. But beyond that the activities of the association are' manifold. Numerous clubs are conducted, at which members are enabled to make friendly contacts; a good “ home away from home ” is open to those deprived of ordinary family life; the intellectual and manual abilities of the girls are developed; and recreational facilities provide all of them with some form of healthy sport. Naturally an institution which works so largely among women and girls who arc not over-burdened with material wealth cannot be entirely self-support-ing. The Dunedin Y.W.C.A. requires funds to enable it to meet all the demands on its resources which are made in a time of need. No organisation is better entitled to ask the public for assistance. The special appeal which it is making to-day will commend itself to the people of Dunedin as providing a chance to acknowledge the valuable service which the Y.W.C.A. is performing in the distinct.